My research is comprised of two main areas of interest. The first seeks to develop and apply novel statistical tools for examining widespread genetic overlap across psychiatric disorders and clinically relevant correlates (e.g., treatment response). To this end, I developed the Genomic Structural Equation Modeling (Genomic SEM) framework, that can be applied to examine the multivariate system of relationships across genetically correlated traits. I have extended this method to include both Stratified Genomic SEM and Transcriptome-wide SEM (T-SEM), that can be used to examine classes of genes and patterns of gene expression, respectively, that are associated with genetic overlap across traits of interest. My second line of research also includes methods development, but in this case the methods are designed to examine the genetic underpinnings associated with cognitive change and the unfolding of dementia risk across the lifespan. This second area of research has critical implications for understanding the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (AD/ADRD).
keywords
Methods development, Genome-wide association studies, Psychiatric genetics
PSYC 3102 - Behavioral Genetics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
This course introduces the basic principles of behavior genetics, the field of study that is interested in evaluating the different forces that shape individual differences. More specifically, the course will survey the evidence for genetic and environmental influences on a broad range of human behaviors, including psychopathology, personality, cognition, and substance use. This course also covers the different methods for evaluating these genetic and environmental contributions, including family-based designs that compare similarities across siblings, twins, and parents and their children, animal models of human behavior, and more recent genomic methods that measure our DNA. Lectures are largely about conceptually understanding findings from this field and the corresponding methods used to produce these findings. This course does not require a strong statistical or biological background to be successful or understand the material.
PSYC 4011 - Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Critically reviews some aspect of psychological literature, scholarly analysis of a major psychological issue, and/or empirical research project. See the psychology honors director for further information.
PSYC 5541 - Special Topics in Psychology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Studies and analyzes special interest topics from the broad and diversified field of psychology. Particular section content is determined by instructor. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary. Instructor consent required for students outside of the department.
PSYC 6603 - Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Covers a range of topics important for professional development in clinical psychology, including preparation and delivery of research presentations, preparation of grant proposals/manuscripts and practicum experience (i.e., interviewing and assessment, treatment planning, intervention and documentation). Intended to prepare students for careers as research scientists and clinicians. May be repeated up to 10 total credit hours. Instructor consent required.
PSYC 7693 - Personality Measurement
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Covers theory and basic applications of psychological assessment, with an emphasis on measurement theory and the assessment of psychopathology and personality.
